Sir Keir Starmer acknowledges difficulties faced by the Muslim community at iftar event
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has marked the holy month of Ramadan at a special iftar event in Parliament, acknowledging the challenges currently faced by British Muslims. Speaking at The Big Iftar, hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, Sir Keir expressed solidarity with the community during what he described as a “difficult time.”
Ramadan, which began on Friday and continues until March 30, is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims worldwide. However, this year, it arrives against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with the Prime Minister recognising the impact of international conflicts and rising Islamophobia in the UK.
Acknowledging the impact of the Gaza conflict
During his address on Tuesday evening, Sir Keir thanked British Muslims for their contributions to society and reflected on the ongoing suffering in Gaza. He acknowledged the profound effect that global events have on communities within the UK, particularly in light of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“I know this has been a very difficult time for Muslims here in the UK with the pain of the conflict in Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinians,” the Prime Minister said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Palestinian reconstruction efforts and advocating for a two-state solution, which he described as “the only way to achieve lasting peace.”
“I am absolutely clear that the Palestinian people must be allowed to rebuild, and we should stand alongside them in this effort on the road to a two-state solution,” he added.
Rising anti-Muslim hate crime in the UK
Sir Keir also addressed the troubling rise in Islamophobic hate crimes, describing 2024 as the worst year on record for such offences since the Home Office began collecting data.
“It is shocking – absolutely shocking – that 2024 was the worst year for anti-Muslim hate crime since the Home Office began collecting data,” he said.
The Prime Minister condemned the role of far-right rhetoric and disinformation in fuelling hostility towards British Muslims, particularly following the riots in Southport last summer. The violence erupted after the tragic murder of three young girls, with misinformation spreading online and contributing to community unrest.
“I was horrified by the wave of hatred we have seen directed towards British Muslims,” he said.
“I always thought these numbers would go down, that there would be a better trend towards a better society. They’ve gone in the wrong direction to a record high – that’s how serious it is. But of course, they are just statistics. Behind those statistics are real people impacted every day by this hatred, fearful for their families, fearful for their children facing harassment on our streets.”
Hope and community resilience
Despite the challenges, Sir Keir sought to highlight the resilience and unity of British society, referencing an uplifting moment in Southport following the riots. He recalled the image of local people working together to rebuild a wall in front of a mosque that had been damaged during the violence.
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“The images in Southport, days after the riots, of people rebuilding a wall in front of a mosque, that is the true spirit of this country,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded his remarks by extending warm wishes to the Muslim community, encouraging unity and reflection during Ramadan.
“I wish all those observing a peaceful, blessed, and fruitful holy month.”
A call for action
The government has faced growing pressure to take stronger measures against rising Islamophobia and hate crimes. Campaigners have called for improved protections for Muslim communities, as well as greater efforts to combat disinformation and extremist rhetoric.
Sir Keir’s participation in The Big Iftar signals an effort to strengthen ties with British Muslims and address their concerns at a time of increased fear and uncertainty. However, many will be looking for concrete policy changes to tackle the challenges outlined in his speech.
As Ramadan continues, Muslim communities across the UK will be coming together for prayer, charity, and fasting, while also reflecting on the pressing social issues affecting their daily lives. The Prime Minister’s words provide recognition of these struggles, but action will be the true test of his commitment to ensuring a safer and more inclusive Britain for all.
